Drought sways Callaway County tree farm to close after 23 years

Christmas for some families in Callaway County won’t be the same this year. After 23 years, Coe’s Tree Farm in Callaway County is closing due to the recent drought and the owner’s age. Owner of Coe’s Tree Farm Jamie Coe said over the past three years many of his trees have died due to the drought. He said the hardest part is letting the customers down this year.

“I’ve had people coming out here for over twenty years and seeing their kids grow up," Coe said. "Even if I don’t know their names I would know their faces and what kind of tree that they prefer.”

Coe said tree farming was just a hobby for him and it’s a young man’s work so it was time to move on. Coe plans to retire soon, and he felt it was just time to end his business.